Us vs. It

Tanks vs. Robot Cooperative “Boss Fight” Tank players must destroy the Robot before it reaches the city limits. Robot is controlled by “AI” rules.

The Robot Has 10 Hit Points Actions: Compute: Place target disc on board Move: 1 space towards target Laser Eye: Shoots straight forward Crush: Attack 5 adjacent spaces Self Destruct: Inflicts blast damage when destroyed.

The Tanks Have 4 hit points Each Turn: Shoot, Move, Move, Shoot Move: up to 1 space (not diagonal) Shoot: Horizontally or vertically for 1 damage.

Demo Game

Battle! Set up the game board. Tanks go first: When tank finishes, robot moves: Execute steps in order Robot stops after step 10 Alternate Robot and Tanks until one side wins.

Tank Rules Reminder Each Turn: Move: up to 1 space (not diagonal) Shoot, Move, Move, Shoot Move: up to 1 space (not diagonal) Can pass through other tanks, but not stop there. Shoot: Horizontally or vertically for 1 damage. Can shoot over other tanks. Play until 3:50

Comments?

Your Mission: Program the robot to maximize drama. What does that mean?

Your Mission: Program the robot to maximize drama. What does that mean? Inevitability Uncertainty Dramatic Arc

Programming the Robot You can specify: Laser Damage Fist Damage Target priorities Sequence of Actions Move Push/Block/Push Damage

Iterate Towards Drama Fail faster! Try to get in many iterations Play complete games Archive your iterations Work until 5:00

5 Minute Break Stretch your legs Back here at 5:05

Add a new feature Attack Weapon Rule Don’t ruin the drama. Don’t change the tanks! Fail Fast! Have an alpha version by 5:15

Beta Test at 5:25 Write your beta version down on the submission sheet. Make sure your robot has a name!

Drama in Us vs. It Uncertainty Inevitability: Behavioral Complexity March towards Goal Decreasing Hitpoints

Discussion What other mechanics can create uncertainty?

Discussion What other mechanics can create uncertainty? Randomness Hidden Information Skill challenges Negative Feedback Escalation Etc…

Discussion What other mechanics can create inevitability?

Discussion What other mechanics can create inevitability? Time Limit Pace monster Non-renewable resource Non-reversible process

Discussion When does the climax occur?

Discussion What is the role of the Self Destruct mechanic?

The Message “Dramatic” does not mean “Scripted” Drama emerges from game dynamics Inevitability Uncertainty Building to a climax Embedded vs. Emergent Narrative

Robot battle! Let’s watch some robots fight each other!